U.S. patent application number 14/460505 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for x-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. The applicant listed for this patent is Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation. Invention is credited to Kazumasa Arakita, Kazuki Gatayama, Go Mukumoto, Tatsuya Watanane.
Application Number | 20150063535 14/460505 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52583285 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150063535 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gatayama; Kazuki ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING APPARATUS
Abstract
An imaging condition setting unit sets imaging conditions for a
pre-contrast enhancement scan, a monitoring scan, and a
post-contrast enhancement scan. A ROI setting unit sets a region of
interest for the monitoring scan in a reference image generated by
a reference image scan executed before the pre-contrast enhancement
scan, the monitoring scan, and the post-contrast enhancement scan.
The scan control unit controls an X-ray generation unit and an
X-ray detection unit to sequentially execute, based on the imaging
conditions, the pre-contrast enhancement scan, the monitoring scan,
and the post-contrast enhancement scan.
Inventors: |
Gatayama; Kazuki; (Otawara,
JP) ; Watanane; Tatsuya; (Nasushiobara, JP) ;
Mukumoto; Go; (Iwata, JP) ; Arakita; Kazumasa;
(Nasushiobara, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation |
Minato-ku
Otawara-shi |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
Minato-ku
JP
Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
Otawara-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
52583285 |
Appl. No.: |
14/460505 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
378/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/469 20130101;
A61B 6/4435 20130101; A61B 6/54 20130101; A61B 6/032 20130101; A61B
6/467 20130101; A61B 6/542 20130101; A61B 6/461 20130101; A61B
6/5205 20130101; A61B 6/5235 20130101; A61B 6/481 20130101; A61B
6/545 20130101; A61B 6/488 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
378/19 |
International
Class: |
A61B 6/00 20060101
A61B006/00; A61B 6/03 20060101 A61B006/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 30, 2013 |
JP |
2013-180723 |
Claims
1. An X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus comprising: an
X-ray generation unit configured to generate X-rays; an X-ray
detection unit configured to detect X-rays which have been
generated from the X-ray generation unit and have passed through a
subject; an imaging condition setting unit configured to set
imaging conditions for a pre-contrast enhancement scan, a
monitoring scan, and a post-contrast enhancement scan; a
region-of-interest setting unit configured to set a region of
interest for the monitoring scan in a reference image generated by
a reference image scan executed before the pre-contrast enhancement
scan, the monitoring scan, and the post-contrast enhancement scan;
and a scan control unit configured to control the X-ray generation
unit and the X-ray detection unit based on the imaging conditions
to sequentially execute the pre-contrast enhancement scan, the
monitoring scan, and the post-contrast enhancement scan.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
relevance storage unit configured to store relevance, between scan
types, of a plurality of setting items included in imaging
conditions and reconstruction conditions of the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, the monitoring scan, and the post-contrast
enhancement scan; and an input unit configured to accept a user
instruction for setting imaging conditions and reconstruction
conditions for a scan type to be set among the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, the monitoring scan, and the post-contrast
enhancement scan, wherein the imaging condition setting unit sets,
based on the relevance between the scan types in synchronism with
an instruction from a user via the input unit, item values of a
plurality of setting items included in imaging conditions and
reconstruction conditions of scan types other than the scan type to
be set.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when an item value
of a setting item of a specific type in the scan type to be set is
input via the input unit, the imaging condition setting unit inputs
the input item value to the setting item of the specific type in
the scan types other than the scan type to be set.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when an item value
of a setting item of a specific type in the scan type to be set is
input via the input unit, the imaging condition setting unit
restricts input of an item value to the setting item of the
specific type in the scan types other than the scan type to be
set.
5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging
condition setting unit registers, as a set of scan types, a
combination of a plurality of scan types selected in accordance
with an instruction from the user via the input unit.
6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the scan control
unit starts the pre-contrast enhancement scan upon receiving a
start instruction from a user via the input unit, and executes the
monitoring scan and the post-contrast enhancement scan upon
receiving a start instruction from the user via the input unit
after an end of the pre-contrast enhancement scan.
7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the scan control
unit automatically executes the pre-contrast enhancement scan, the
monitoring scan, and the post-contrast enhancement scan
sequentially upon receiving a start instruction from the input
unit.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
reconstruction unit configured to generate a pre-contrast
enhancement CT image based on an output from the X-ray detection
unit in the pre-contrast enhancement scan, and generate a
post-contrast enhancement CT image based on an output from the
X-ray detection unit in the post-contrast enhancement scan; and an
image processing unit configured to generate a subtraction image
based on the pre-contrast enhancement CT image and the
post-contrast enhancement CT image.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a display
unit configured to display the subtraction image.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
determination unit configured to determine, based on item values of
setting items for imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions
of the pre-contrast enhancement scan and post-contrast enhancement
scan, and execution conditions for subtraction processing to be
executed, whether the subtraction processing to be executed can be
executed; and a display unit configured to display a result of
determination by the determination unit.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a
subtraction condition storage unit configured to store execution
conditions for each of a plurality of types of subtraction
processing, wherein the determination unit determines, based on the
item values of the setting items for the imaging conditions and
reconstruction conditions of the pre-contrast enhancement scan and
post-contrast enhancement scan, and the execution conditions for
the subtraction processing to be executed out of the plurality of
types of subtraction processing, whether the subtraction processing
to be executed can be executed.
12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the execution
conditions define allowable ranges of the item values of the
setting items for the imaging conditions and reconstruction
conditions of the pre-contrast enhancement scan and post-contrast
enhancement scan.
13. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a
reconstruction unit and an image processing unit, wherein when an
execution of the subtraction processing to be executed is
designates after the display unit displays the determination
result, the scan control unit controls the X-ray generation unit
and the X-ray detection unit to sequentially execute the
pre-contrast enhancement scan, the monitoring scan, and the
post-contrast enhancement scan, the reconstruction unit generates a
pre-contrast enhancement CT image based on an output from the X-ray
detection unit in the pre-contrast enhancement scan, and generates
a post-contrast enhancement CT image based on an output from the
X-ray detection unit in the post-contrast enhancement scan, and the
image processing unit generates a subtraction image based on the
pre-contrast enhancement CT image and the post-contrast enhancement
CT image.
14. An X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus comprising: an
X-ray generation unit configured to generate an X-ray; an X-ray
detection unit configured to detect an X-ray which has been
generated from the X-ray generation unit and has passed through a
subject; a scan control unit configured to control the X-ray
generation unit and the X-ray detection unit in order to execute a
scan targeting the subject; a storage unit configured to store, for
each of a plurality of examination protocols including a plurality
of scan types, relevance, between scan types, of a plurality of
setting items included in imaging conditions and reconstruction
conditions of each examination protocol; an input unit configured
to accept an instruction from a user to set imaging conditions and
reconstruction conditions of an examination protocol to be set; and
a setting unit configured to set, in accordance with relevance
regarding the examination protocol to be set that is stored in the
storage unit, in synchronism with an instruction from the input
unit, item values of a plurality of setting items included in the
imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions of the examination
protocol to be set.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein when an item value
of a setting item of a specific type having the relevance is input
via the input unit for one scan type among a plurality of scan
types included in the examination protocol to be set, the setting
unit automatically inputs the input item value to the setting item
of the specific type in another scan type among the plurality of
scan types.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein when the item
value of the setting item of the specific type is input via the
input unit for the one scan type, the setting unit restricts input
of an item value to the setting item of the specific type via the
input unit for the other scan type.
17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the setting unit
sets, in the examination protocol to be set, a combination of a
plurality of scan types selected in accordance with an instruction
from the input unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No.
2013-180723, filed Aug. 30, 2013 the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to an X-ray
computed tomography imaging apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A monitoring scan is performed in a contrast enhancement
examination by an X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus. In
the monitoring scan, the X-ray computed tomography imaging
apparatus monitors in real time the degree of dyeing with a
contrast agent in a CT image, and when the pixel value of the CT
image reaches a specific threshold, shifts to an actual scan (to be
referred to as a post-contrast enhancement scan hereinafter). The
monitoring scan is a scan mode for supporting the post-contrast
enhancement scan. Thus, a set of the monitoring scan and
post-contrast enhancement scan is performed. Condition setting of
the monitoring scan and the like are performed immediately before
executing the monitoring scan.
[0004] In some cases, a scan before injecting the contrast agent
(to be referred to as a pre-contrast enhancement scan hereinafter)
is performed in response to a clinical request. The pre-contrast
enhancement scan is performed to acquire a subtraction image
between a CT image acquired by the pre-contrast enhancement scan
and a CT image acquired by the post-contrast enhancement scan.
[0005] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the typical sequence of a
contrast enhancement examination according to a related art. FIG.
13 is a graph schematically showing the flow of the contrast
enhancement examination according to the related art. As shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13, a reference image acquisition scan is performed
first (step SZ1). After the end of step SZ1, condition setting for
the pre-contrast enhancement scan is performed (step SZ2). More
specifically, in step SZ2, imaging conditions, reconstruction
conditions, and the like are set. The pre-contrast enhancement scan
is performed in accordance with the conditions set in step SZ2
(step SZ3). After performing step SZ3, condition setting for the
monitoring scan and post-contrast enhancement scan is performed
(step SZ4). By using a reference image acquired in step SZ1, an ROI
(Region Of Interest) for the monitoring scan is set (step SZ5).
After performing steps SZ4 and SZ5, a contrast agent is injected
into a subject, and the monitoring scan is performed (step SZ6). If
a pixel value in the ROI of the CT image acquired by the monitoring
scan reaches a threshold, the post-contrast enhancement scan is
performed (step SZ7). Then, the contrast enhancement examination
ends.
[0006] ROI setting for the monitoring scan cannot be performed
before the start of the pre-contrast enhancement scan. That is, the
ROI setting has to be performed between the end of the pre-contrast
enhancement scan and the start of the monitoring scan. Time is
therefore taken for a shift from the pre-contrast enhancement scan
to the monitoring scan. The conditions of the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, monitoring scan, and post-contrast enhancement
scan are set individually. For this reason, an error of the
condition setting readily occurs. Also, the number of condition
setting operations is large, and the working efficiency is
poor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a view showing the arrangement of an X-ray
computed tomography imaging apparatus according to an
embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of the relevance of a
setting item between scan types regarding a subtraction protocol
that is stored in a relevance storage unit in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the typical sequence of
imaging plan processing to be performed by an imaging plan unit in
FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the typical sequence of
condition setting processing to be performed by the imaging plan
unit in step SA2 of FIG. 3;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the typical sequence of a
contrast enhancement examination to be performed under the control
of a system controller in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a graph schematically showing a typical scan
sequence in a contrast enhancement examination according to Example
1;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a graph schematically showing a typical scan
sequence in a contrast enhancement examination according to Example
2;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a view showing the arrangement of an X-ray
computed tomography imaging apparatus according to an application
of the embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of a subtraction
condition table stored in a subtraction condition storage unit in
FIG. 8;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the typical sequence of a
contrast enhancement examination to be performed under the control
of a system controller in FIG. 8;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a table for explaining determination processing
to be executed by a determination unit in step SC4 of FIG. 10;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the typical sequence of a
contrast enhancement examination according to a related art;
and
[0019] FIG. 13 is a graph schematically showing the sequence of the
contrast enhancement examination in FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] An X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus according to
an embodiment comprises an X-ray generation unit, X-ray detection
unit, imaging condition setting unit, region-of-interest setting
unit, and scan control unit. The X-ray generation unit generates
X-rays. The X-ray detection unit detects X-rays which have been
generated from the X-ray generation unit and have passed through a
subject. The imaging condition setting unit sets imaging conditions
for a pre-contrast enhancement scan, a monitoring scan, and a
post-contrast enhancement scan. The region-of-interest setting unit
sets a region of interest for the monitoring scan in a reference
image generated by a reference image scan executed before the
pre-contrast enhancement scan, the monitoring scan, and the
post-contrast enhancement scan. The scan control unit controls the
X-ray generation unit and the X-ray detection unit to sequentially
execute, based on the imaging conditions, the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, the monitoring scan, and the post-contrast
enhancement scan.
[0021] The X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus according to
the embodiment will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a view showing the arrangement of the X-ray
computed tomography imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus
according to the embodiment includes a gantry 10, console 30, and
contrast agent injector 60. The gantry 10 supports a rotating frame
11 having a cylindrical shape so that the rotating frame 11 can
rotate about a rotation axis Z. An X-ray generation unit 13 and
X-ray detection unit 15 are attached to the rotating frame 11 so
that they face each other via the rotation axis Z. An FOV (Field Of
View) is set in the opening of the rotating frame 11. A top 17 is
inserted in the opening of the rotating frame 11. A subject S is
placed on the top 17. The top 17 is positioned so that the imaging
portion of the subject S on the top 17 falls in the FOV. The
rotating frame 11 rotates at a predetermined angular velocity about
the rotation axis Z upon receiving power from a rotation driving
unit 19. The rotation driving unit 19 generates power for rotating
the rotating frame 11 in accordance with a control signal from a
gantry controller 21.
[0023] The X-ray generation unit 13 generates X-rays in accordance
with a control signal from the gantry controller 21. More
specifically, the X-ray generation unit 13 includes an X-ray tube
131 and high-voltage generator 133. The X-ray tube 131 generates
X-rays upon receiving the application of a high voltage from the
high-voltage generator 133, and the supply of a filament current.
The high-voltage generator 133 applies, to the X-ray tube 131, a
high voltage complying with a control signal from the gantry
controller 21, and supplies, to the X-ray tube 131, a filament
current complying with a control signal from the gantry controller
21.
[0024] The X-ray detection unit 15 detects X-rays which have been
generated from the X-ray generation unit 13 and have passed through
the subject S, and generates digital data corresponding to the
intensity of the detected X-rays. More specifically, the X-ray
detection unit 15 includes an X-ray detector 151 and data
acquisition circuit 153.
[0025] The X-ray detector 151 detects X-rays generated from the
X-ray tube 131. The X-ray detector 151 includes a plurality of
X-ray detection elements arrayed two-dimensionally. Each X-ray
detection element detects X-rays from the X-ray tube 131, and
generates an electrical signal corresponding to the energy of the
detected X-rays.
[0026] The data acquisition circuit 153 acquires electrical signals
from the respective X-ray detection elements for each view, and
converts the acquired electrical signals into digital data. The
converted digital data is called raw data. The raw data is supplied
to the console 30.
[0027] The gantry controller 21 supervises the control of various
devices mounted in the gantry 10 in accordance with an instruction
from a scan controller 43 in the console 30. For example, the
gantry controller 21 controls the X-ray generation unit 13, X-ray
detection unit 15, and rotation driving unit 19 to execute a CT
scan targeting the subject S in which a contrast agent has been
injected according to the embodiment. The rotation driving unit 19
rotates at a predetermined angular velocity under the control of
the gantry controller 21. Under the control of the gantry
controller 21, the high-voltage generator 133 of the X-ray
generation unit 13 applies, to the X-ray tube 131, a tube voltage
having a tube voltage value set in advance. Under the control of
the gantry controller 21, the data acquisition circuit 153 of the
X-ray detection unit 15 acquires raw data for each view in
synchronism with the X-ray emission timing.
[0028] The contrast agent injector 60 is a device for injecting a
contrast agent into the subject S. The contrast agent injector 60
may inject the contrast agent into the subject S by a manual
operation by the user, or inject it in synchronism with reception
of an injection start signal from the scan controller 43 in the
console 30. The contrast agent injector 60 may transmit an emission
start signal to the scan controller 43 in synchronism with
injection of the contrast agent by a manual operation by the user.
Upon receiving the emission start signal, the scan controller 43
transmits an emission start signal to the gantry controller 21 in
order to start emission of X-rays.
[0029] The console 30 includes a pre-processor 31, a reconstruction
unit 33, an image processor 35, an imaging plan unit 37, a
relevance storage unit 39, an ROI setting unit 41, the scan
controller 43, a display unit 45, an input unit 47, a main storage
unit 49, and a system controller 51.
[0030] The pre-processor 31 performs pre-processing such as
logarithmic transformation on raw data from the gantry 10. Raw data
after pre-processing is called projection data. The pre-processing
includes various correction processes such as logarithmic
transformation, X-ray intensity correction, and offset
correction.
[0031] Based on projection data, the reconstruction unit 33
generates a CT image expressing the spatial distribution of CT
values regarding the subject S. More specifically, the
reconstruction unit 33 performs image reconstruction processing on
a CT image in accordance with reconstruction conditions set by the
imaging plan unit 37. The image reconstruction algorithm suffices
to be an existing image reconstruction algorithm such as an
analytic image reconstruction method (e.g., FBP (Filtered Back
Projection) or CBP (Convolution Back Projection)), or a statistical
image reconstruction method (e.g., ML-EM (Maximum Likelihood
Expectation Maximization) or OS-EM (Ordered Subset Expectation
Maximization)).
[0032] The image processor 35 performs various image processes on a
CT image. For example, the image processor 35 performs subtraction
processing on two CT images to generate a subtraction image.
[0033] The imaging plan unit 37 executes an imaging plan in
accordance with an instruction from the user via the input unit 47.
In the imaging plan, an examination protocol is built. The
examination protocol is constituted by a plurality of scan types to
be executed at once as one unit. The scan types according to the
embodiment can be any existing scan types such as a reference image
acquisition scan, pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring scan,
and post-contrast enhancement scan. The scan types may include a
scan in an arbitrary contrast agent inflow phase in a contrast
enhancement examination. As the scan in the contrast agent inflow
phase, for example, an early inflow phase scan, peak inflow phase
scan, and late inflow phase scan are known. A combination of scan
types constituting an examination protocol to be executed may be
set in advance or set by the user via the input unit 47. After
determining scan types to be included in the examination protocol,
imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions for the
examination protocol are set. More specifically, by using relevance
regarding the examination protocol that is stored in the relevance
storage unit 39, the imaging plan unit 37 sets, in synchronism with
an instruction from the user via the input unit 47, the item values
of a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions
and reconstruction conditions of the examination protocol to be
set.
[0034] For each of a plurality of examination protocols, the
relevance storage unit 39 stores the relevance, between scan types,
of a plurality of setting items included in the imaging conditions
and reconstruction conditions of each examination protocol. The
relevance is defined by, e.g., an LUT (Look Up Table) or database.
The relevance is assumed to be defined by an LUT, and this LUT will
be called a relevance table. The relevance table defines the
relevance of a setting item between scan types included in a given
examination protocol. The relevance table is set for each
examination protocol. The user can arbitrarily set/change the
contents of the relevance table via the input unit 47.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of the relevance of a
setting item between scan types regarding a subtraction protocol.
The subtraction protocol is constituted by the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, monitoring scan, and post-contrast enhancement
scan, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 2, the
setting items are classified into setting items for the imaging
conditions, and setting items for the reconstruction conditions.
The setting items for the imaging conditions are, e.g., a tube
voltage, a tube current, the rotational speed of the rotating frame
11, and the top moving speed.
[0036] The setting items for the reconstruction conditions are,
e.g., an image reconstruction algorithm and reconstruction
function. In FIG. 2, ".largecircle." represents that there is
relevance, and "x" represents that there is no relevance. For
example, as shown in FIG. 2, the setting item "tube voltage" has
relevance between the pre-contrast enhancement scan, the monitoring
scan, and the post-contrast enhancement scan. The setting item
"tube current" does not have relevance between the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, the monitoring scan, and the post-contrast
enhancement scan. The setting item "reconstruction function" has
relevance between the pre-contrast enhancement scan and the
post-contrast enhancement scan, and does not have relevance between
the pre-contrast enhancement scan and the monitoring scan and
between the post-contrast enhancement scan and the monitoring
scan.
[0037] As for a setting item having relevance, the imaging plan
unit 37 synchronously sets the setting item between a plurality of
scan types. As for a setting item having no relevance, the imaging
plan unit 37 individually sets the setting item between a plurality
of scan types.
[0038] The ROI setting unit 41 sets an ROI (Region Of Interest) in
a CT image in accordance with an instruction from the user via the
input unit 47. The ROI is used in the monitoring scan.
[0039] The scan controller 43 controls the gantry controller 21 and
contrast agent injector 60 in order to execute a CT scan. For
example, the scan controller 43 controls the gantry controller 21
in accordance with the imaging conditions set by the imaging plan
unit 37. The scan controller 43 supplies an emission start signal
to the gantry controller 21 in response to input of an emission
start instruction from the user via the input unit 47. Also, the
scan controller 43 supplies an emission stop signal to the gantry
controller 21 in response to input of an emission stop instruction
from the user via the input unit 47. Upon receiving the supply of
the emission start signal, the gantry controller 21 controls the
high-voltage generator 133 to start emission of X-rays from the
X-ray tube 131. Upon receiving the supply of the emission stop
signal, the gantry controller 21 controls the high-voltage
generator 133 to stop the emission of X-rays from the X-ray tube
131. The scan controller 43 supplies an injection start signal to
the contrast agent injector 60 in response to input of an injection
start instruction from the user via the input unit 47. Further, the
scan controller 43 supplies an injection stop signal to the
contrast agent injector 60 in response to input of an injection
stop instruction from the user via the input unit 47. Upon
receiving the supply of the injection start signal, the gantry
controller 21 controls the contrast agent injector 60 to start
injection of a contrast agent. Upon receiving the supply of the
injection stop signal, the gantry controller 21 controls the
contrast agent injector 60 to stop the injection of the contrast
agent.
[0040] The display unit 45 displays, on a display device, a CT
image, imaging plan setting screen, and the like. As the display
device, for example, a CRT display, liquid crystal display, organic
EL display, or plasma display is appropriately available.
[0041] The input unit 47 accepts various instructions and
information inputs from the user via an input device. For example,
the user inputs, via the input device, an instruction for setting
imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions. The user may
input, via the input device, an emission start instruction,
emission stop instruction, injection start instruction, and
injection stop instruction. As the input device, for example, a
keyboard, mouse, or various switches are available.
[0042] The main storage unit 49 is a storage device which stores
various kinds of information. For example, the main storage unit 49
stores projection data and CT images. Also, the main storage unit
49 stores an imaging plan program and examination protocol
execution program according to the embodiment.
[0043] The system controller 51 functions as the center of the
X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus. The system controller
51 reads out the imaging plan program according to the embodiment
from the main storage unit 49, and controls various building
components in accordance with the imaging plan program. As a
result, imaging plan processing according to the embodiment is
performed. In addition, the system controller 51 reads out the
examination protocol execution program according to the embodiment
from the main storage unit 49, and controls various building
components in accordance with the examination protocol execution
program. Hence, examination protocol execution processing according
to the embodiment is executed.
[0044] Next, an example of the operation of the X-ray computed
tomography imaging apparatus according to the embodiment will be
described. First, imaging plan processing according to the
embodiment will be explained.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the typical sequence of
imaging plan processing to be performed by the imaging plan unit 37
according to the embodiment. The imaging plan according to the
embodiment is performed for an examination protocol including a
plurality of scan types. Condition setting needs to be performed
for all scan types constituting the examination protocol. In the
imaging plan according to the embodiment, condition setting is
performed at once for all scan types constituting the examination
protocol.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the system controller 51 controls the
imaging plan unit 37 to start imaging plan processing in response
to input of an imaging plan processing start instruction from the
user via the input unit 47. First, the imaging plan unit 37 builds
an examination protocol (step SA1). In step SA1, the imaging plan
unit 37 selects, from a plurality of scan types set in advance,
scan types to be included in the examination protocol of an
examination target. For example, in step SA1, the display unit 45
displays a list of a plurality of scan types. The user selects,
from the displayed list via the input unit 47, a plurality of scan
types to be included in the examination protocol. The user can
select a plurality of arbitrary necessary scan types in accordance
with examination contents. For example, scan types are arbitrarily
selected from existing scan types such as the reference image
acquisition scan, pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring scan,
and post-contrast enhancement scan. The imaging plan unit 37
registers, as the examination protocol of the examination target, a
set of scan types selected via the input unit 47.
[0047] After performing step SA1, the imaging plan unit 37 performs
condition setting processing (step SA2). In step SA2, in
synchronism with an instruction from the user via the input unit
47, the imaging plan unit 37 sets the item values of a plurality of
setting items included in the imaging conditions and reconstruction
conditions of the examination protocol in accordance with relevance
regarding the examination protocol that is stored in the relevance
storage unit 39.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the typical sequence of
condition setting processing to be performed by the imaging plan
unit 37 in step SA2. In the description of FIG. 4, the subtraction
protocol is assumed to be registered as the examination protocol.
As described above, the subtraction protocol is constituted by the
pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring scan, and post-contrast
enhancement scan.
[0049] First, in accordance with an instruction from the user via
the input unit 47, the imaging plan unit 37 selects a scan type
serving as the input target of setting items (step SA2-1). For the
subtraction protocol, a scan type is selected from the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, monitoring scan, and post-contrast enhancement
scan. Note that the scan type selected in step SA2-1 will be called
a selected scan type.
[0050] After performing step SA2-1, the imaging plan unit 37 waits
for input of an item value to a setting item in the selected scan
type by the user via the input unit 47 (step SA2-2). For example,
if the pre-contrast enhancement scan is selected in step SA2-1, an
item value "80 kV" of the setting item "tube voltage" in the
pre-contrast enhancement scan is input.
[0051] If an item value has been input (step SA2-2: YES), the
imaging plan unit 37 sets the item value input in step SA2-2 in the
target setting item of the selected scan type (step SA2-3). For
example, if the pre-contrast enhancement scan is selected in step
SA2-1, and the item value "80 kV" of the setting item "tube
voltage" is input in step SA2-2, the "tube voltage" in the
pre-contrast enhancement scan is set to "80 kV" in step SA2-3.
[0052] In step SA2-3, the imaging plan unit 37 reads out a
relevance table from the relevance storage unit 39, and determines
whether the setting item whose item value has been input in step
SA2-2 is a relevant item (step SA2-4). In step SA2-4, by looking up
the relevance table, the imaging plan unit 37 determines whether
the setting item has relevance between the pre-contrast enhancement
scan and the post-contrast enhancement scan. An item having
relevance is determined to be a relevant item. An item having no
relevance is determined not to be a relevant item. For example, the
setting item "tube voltage" has relevance between the pre-contrast
enhancement scan and the post-contrast enhancement scan, as shown
in FIG. 2. Hence, the setting item "tube voltage" is determined to
be a relevant item. Also, a setting item "waiting time of emission
from an R wave" does not have relevance between the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, the monitoring scan, and the post-contrast
enhancement scan, as shown in FIG. 2. The setting item "waiting
time of emission from an R wave" is therefore determined not to be
a relevant item.
[0053] If the imaging plan unit 37 determines in step SA2-4 that
the setting item is a relevant item (step SA2-4: YES), it
determines whether the setting item satisfies a constraint
condition (step SA2-5). The constraint condition is a condition for
restricting input of an item value. As the constraint condition,
for example, the allowable range of an item value is set for each
setting item. The imaging plan unit 37 determines whether the item
value input in step SA2-2 falls within the allowable range. If the
input item value falls within the allowable range, the imaging plan
unit 37 determines that the constraint condition is satisfied. If
the input item value falls outside the allowable range, the imaging
plan unit 37 determines that the constraint condition is not
satisfied. As another constraint condition, input of a new item
value is restricted for a setting item whose item value has already
been input by synchronous setting in step SA2-6. In this case, the
imaging plan unit 37 specifies whether the setting item whose item
value has been input in step SA2-2 is an item already input by
synchronous setting in step SA2-6. If this setting item is an input
item, the imaging plan unit 37 determines that the constraint
condition is satisfied. If this setting item is not an input item,
the imaging plan unit 37 determines that the constraint condition
is not satisfied.
[0054] If the imaging plan unit 37 determines in step SA2-5 that
the constraint condition is satisfied (step SA2-5: YES), it
synchronously sets the same setting item of an unselected scan type
(step SA2-6). More specifically, the imaging plan unit 37 sets the
item value input in step SA2-2 in the same setting item for all
unselected scan types each having relevance with the selected scan
type. For example, if the pre-contrast enhancement scan is selected
in step SA2-1 and the item value "80 kV" of the setting item "tube
voltage" is input in step SA2-2, the same item value "80 kV" is set
in the setting item "tube voltage" in the post-contrast enhancement
scan and monitoring scan. Also, if the pre-contrast enhancement
scan is selected in step SA2-1 and an item value "3" of the setting
item "reconstruction function" is input in step SA2-2, the same
item value "3" is set in the same setting item "reconstruction
function" in the post-contrast enhancement scan, and the same
setting item "reconstruction function" in the monitoring scan
maintains an initial value without setting "3".
[0055] If the imaging plan unit 37 determines in step SA2-5 that
the constraint condition is not satisfied (step SA2-5: NO), it
cancels the input operation in step SA2-2 (step SA2-7). That is,
the item value set in step SA2-3 is canceled, and a value before
the setting or an initial value is set again.
[0056] If it is determined in step SA2-4 that the setting item is
not a relevant item (step SA2-4: NO), step SA2-6 is performed, or
step SA2-7 is performed, the imaging plan unit 37 determines
whether an instruction to end the condition setting processing has
been input via the input unit 47 (step SA2-8). If the instruction
to end the condition setting processing has not been input (step
SA2-8: NO), the imaging plan unit 37 returns again to step SA2-2,
and waits for input of an item value to a setting item in the
selected scan type by the user via the input unit 47.
[0057] In this manner, if the condition setting is performed for
all setting items, and the instruction to end the condition setting
processing has been input via the input unit 47 (step SA2-8: YES),
the imaging plan unit 37 ends the condition setting processing
(step SA2-9).
[0058] The condition setting processing is repetitively executed
for each scan type until item values are set in all the setting
items of all scan types included in the examination protocol of the
examination target. If item values are set in all the setting items
of all scan types included in the examination protocol of the
examination target, the imaging plan processing (more specifically,
condition setting processing) on the examination protocol of the
examination target is completed.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, after performing step SA2, the imaging
plan unit 37 registers the imaging plan of the examination protocol
of the examination target (step SA3). The main storage unit 49
stores the registered imaging plan.
[0060] As described above, the imaging plan processing according to
the embodiment makes it possible to perform condition setting at
once for the pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring scan, and
post-contrast enhancement scan. Therefore, the condition setting of
an efficient subtraction protocol can be performed efficiently. The
condition setting can be performed accurately and simply by
synchronously performing the condition setting for a relevant item,
and imposing a constraint.
[0061] Next, an example of the operation of the examination
protocol according to the embodiment will be explained. Assume that
the examination protocol according to the embodiment is a
clinically beneficial subtraction protocol in a contrast
enhancement examination.
[0062] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the typical sequence of a
contrast enhancement examination to be performed under the control
of the system controller 51 according to the embodiment. As shown
in FIG. 5, the reference image acquisition scan is performed first
(step SB1). The reference image acquisition scan is a scan for
acquiring a reference image to be used to set an ROI for the
monitoring scan. The system controller 51 reads out, from the main
storage unit 49, preset imaging conditions for the reference image
scan, and supplies them to the scan controller 43. In addition, the
system controller 51 reads out, from the main storage unit 49,
preset reconstruction conditions for the reference image scan, and
supplies them to the reconstruction unit 33. The scan controller 43
transmits the imaging conditions to the gantry controller 21.
Further, the scan controller 43 transmits an emission start signal
to the gantry controller 21 in response to input of an emission
start instruction via the input unit 47. In response to supply of
an emission start signal, the gantry controller 21 controls the
X-ray generation unit 13 and X-ray detection unit 15 in accordance
with the imaging conditions to execute the reference image
acquisition scan. In the reference image acquisition scan, based on
raw data acquired by the data acquisition circuit 153, the
reconstruction unit 33 generates a CT image (to be referred to as a
reference image hereinafter) in accordance with reconstruction
conditions for the reference image acquisition scan. The main
storage unit 49 stores the reference image.
[0063] After performing step SB1, the imaging plan of the
subtraction protocol is determined (step SB2). In step SB2, the
imaging plan unit 37 determines the imaging plan of the subtraction
protocol by the above-described imaging plan processing. As
described above, the imaging conditions and reconstruction
conditions of the pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring scan,
and post-contrast enhancement scan can be set at once by the
imaging plan processing according to the embodiment. With the
synchronous setting function, the item value of a relevant item can
be synchronously set between a plurality of scan types. The item
value of the relevant item can reliably become the same between a
plurality of scan types. The main storage unit 49 stores the
determined imaging plan of the subtraction protocol.
[0064] After performing step SB2, the ROI setting unit 41 performs
ROI setting processing (step SB3). In ROI setting processing, the
ROI setting unit 41 sets an ROI for the monitoring scan in the
reference image in accordance with an instruction from the user via
the input unit 47. Pixel values in the set ROI are monitored in the
monitoring scan. The ROI for the monitoring scan will be called a
monitoring region.
[0065] After performing step SB3, the scan controller 43 controls
the X-ray generation unit 13 and X-ray detection unit 15 to
sequentially execute the pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring
scan, and post-contrast enhancement scan as a single examination
protocol.
[0066] More specifically, the pre-contrast enhancement scan is
performed first (step SB4). The pre-contrast enhancement scan is a
scan targeting the imaging portion of a subject before the contrast
of the imaging portion is enhanced with a contrast agent. The
system controller 51 reads out, from the main storage unit 49,
imaging conditions for the pre-contrast enhancement scan, imaging
conditions for the monitoring scan, and imaging conditions for the
post-contrast enhancement scan which have been set in step SB2, and
supplies them to the scan controller 43. In addition, the system
controller 51 reads out, from the main storage unit 49,
reconstruction conditions for the pre-contrast enhancement scan,
reconstruction conditions for the monitoring scan, and
reconstruction conditions for the post-contrast enhancement scan,
and supplies them to the reconstruction unit 33. The scan
controller 43 transmits the imaging conditions to the gantry
controller 21. The scan controller 43 transmits an emission start
signal to the gantry controller 21 in response to input of an
emission start instruction via the input unit 47. In response to
the supply of the emission start signal, the gantry controller 21
controls the X-ray generation unit 13 and X-ray detection unit 15
to execute the pre-contrast enhancement scan in accordance with the
imaging conditions for the pre-contrast enhancement scan. In the
pre-contrast enhancement scan, based on raw data acquired by the
data acquisition circuit 153, the reconstruction unit 33 generates
a CT image (to be referred to as a pre-contrast enhancement CT
image hereinafter) in accordance with the reconstruction conditions
for the pre-contrast enhancement scan. The main storage unit 49
stores the pre-contrast enhancement CT image.
[0067] After performing step SB4, the scan controller 43 executes
the monitoring scan (step SB5). The monitoring scan is a scan to be
performed to detect the timing when the contrast of the imaging
portion of the subject S is appropriately enhanced with the
contrast agent, in order to perform the post-contrast enhancement
scan at this timing. The contrast agent is injected into the
subject S before executing the monitoring scan. More specifically,
the scan controller 43 transmits the imaging conditions for the
monitoring scan to the gantry controller 21. The scan controller 43
transmits an emission start signal to the gantry controller 21 in
response to input of an emission start instruction via the input
unit 47. The gantry controller 21 controls the X-ray generation
unit 13 and X-ray detection unit 15 to execute the monitoring scan
in accordance with the imaging conditions for the monitoring scan.
Typically in the monitoring scan, X-rays are continuously emitted
at a lower dose than in the pre-contrast enhancement scan and
post-contrast enhancement scan. In the monitoring scan, the
reconstruction unit 33 repetitively generates CT images (to be
referred to as monitoring images hereinafter) based on projection
data from the data acquisition circuit 153 in accordance with the
reconstruction conditions for the monitoring scan.
[0068] In the monitoring scan, the scan controller 43 calculates,
for each monitoring image, the statistical value of the pixel
values of a plurality of pixels in the monitoring region set in the
monitoring image in step SB3, and compares the calculated
statistical value with a threshold. The statistical value is set
as, e.g., the average value, maximum value, minimum value, or
intermediate value of the pixel values of a plurality of pixels.
The threshold suffices to be set as a typical pixel value of a
pixel corresponding to a blood vessel portion whose contrast has
been sufficiently enhanced with the contrast agent. The threshold
can be arbitrarily set in accordance with an instruction from the
user via the input unit 47. If the scan controller 43 determines
that the statistical value is smaller than the threshold, it
controls the X-ray generation unit 13 and X-ray detection unit 15
to keep executing the monitoring scan. If the scan controller 43
determines that the statistical value is larger than the threshold,
it controls the X-ray generation unit 13 and X-ray detection unit
15 to stop the monitoring scan.
[0069] After performing step SB5, the scan controller 43 executes
the post-contrast enhancement scan (step SB6). The post-contrast
enhancement scan is a scan which targets the imaging portion of the
subject, and is performed while the contrast of the imaging portion
is appropriately enhanced with the contrast agent. More
specifically, the scan controller 43 controls the X-ray generation
unit 13 and X-ray detection unit 15 to execute the post-contrast
enhancement scan in accordance with the imaging conditions for the
post-contrast enhancement scan. By the post-contrast enhancement
scan, a CT image (to be referred to as a post-contrast enhancement
CT image hereinafter) is generated. In the post-contrast
enhancement scan, based on raw data acquired by the data
acquisition circuit 153, the reconstruction unit 33 generates a CT
image (to be referred to as a post-contrast enhancement CT image
hereinafter) in accordance with the reconstruction conditions for
the post-contrast enhancement scan.
[0070] The monitoring scan may be started manually or
automatically. A case in which the monitoring scan is started
manually will be explained as Example 1. A case in which the
monitoring scan is started automatically will be explained as
Example 2.
Example 1
[0071] FIG. 6 is a graph schematically a typical scan sequence in a
contrast enhancement examination according to Example 1. In FIG. 6,
the left ordinate defines the tube voltage, the right ordinate
defines the contrast agent concentration, and the abscissa defines
the time. As described above, an ROI (monitoring region) for the
monitoring scan is set at the preceding stage of the pre-contrast
enhancement scan. The pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring
scan, and post-contrast enhancement scan are executed sequentially
as a single examination protocol (subtraction protocol). The scan
controller 43 starts the pre-contrast enhancement scan in
accordance with a manual instruction from the user via the input
unit 47. After X-ray emission is performed a predetermined number
of times for the pre-contrast enhancement scan, the scan controller
43 automatically stops the pre-contrast enhancement scan. After the
stop of the pre-contrast enhancement scan, the user injects a
contrast agent into the subject S. Then, the scan controller 43
starts the monitoring scan in accordance with a manual instruction
from the user via the input unit 47. Note that the contrast agent
injector 60 may automatically inject the contrast agent. That is,
after the stop of the pre-contrast enhancement scan, the scan
controller 43 transmits an injection start signal to the contrast
agent injector 60. Upon receiving the injection start signal, the
contrast agent injector 60 automatically injects the contrast agent
into the subject S. In synchronism with the transmission of the
injection start signal to the contrast agent injector 60, the scan
controller 43 transmits an emission start signal to the gantry
controller 21. Alternatively, the contrast agent injector 60 may
transmit an emission start signal to the scan controller 43 in
synchronism with an injection operation to the contrast agent
injector 60 by the user, and the scan controller 43 may transmit an
emission start signal to the gantry controller 21 in response to
the reception of the emission start signal. This can synchronize
the injection of the contrast agent with X-ray emission in the
monitoring scan. When the monitoring scan is performed and the
contrast agent concentration (i.e., a statistical value based on
the pixel values of a plurality of pixels in the monitoring region)
reaches a threshold, the monitoring scan is stopped, and the
post-contrast enhancement scan automatically starts upon the lapse
of a predetermined period. After X-ray emission is performed a
predetermined number of times for the post-contrast enhancement
scan, the scan controller 43 automatically stops the post-contrast
enhancement scan.
[0072] As described above, according to Example 1, the pre-contrast
enhancement scan is manually shifted to the monitoring scan. The
start timing of the subtraction protocol and the like can be
reliably determined, compared to Example 2 to be described
below.
Example 2
[0073] FIG. 7 is a graph schematically showing a typical scan
sequence in a contrast enhancement examination according to Example
2. As in FIG. 6, an ROI (monitoring region) for the monitoring scan
is set at the preceding stage of the pre-contrast enhancement scan.
The pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring scan, and
post-contrast enhancement scan are executed sequentially as a
single examination protocol (subtraction protocol). The user
injects a contrast agent before the start of the pre-contrast
enhancement scan. The scan controller 43 starts the pre-contrast
enhancement scan in accordance with a manual instruction from the
user via the input unit 47. After X-ray emission is performed a
predetermined number of times for the pre-contrast enhancement
scan, the scan controller 43 automatically stops the pre-contrast
enhancement scan. Note that the contrast agent injector 60 may
inject the contrast agent. That is, the scan controller 43
transmits an injection start signal to the contrast agent injector
60. Upon receiving the injection start signal, the contrast agent
injector 60 automatically injects the contrast agent into the
subject S. In synchronism with the transmission of the injection
start signal to the contrast agent injector 60, the scan controller
43 transmits an emission start signal to the gantry controller 21.
Alternatively, the contrast agent injector 60 may transmit an
emission start signal to the scan controller 43 in synchronism with
an injection operation to the contrast agent injector 60 by the
user, and the scan controller 43 may transmit an emission start
signal to the gantry controller 21 in response to the reception of
the emission start signal. This can synchronize the injection of
the contrast agent with X-ray emission in the monitoring scan. Upon
the lapse of a predetermined waiting time after the stop of the
pre-contrast enhancement scan, the scan controller 43 automatically
starts the monitoring scan. This waiting time can be arbitrarily
set. Note that the monitoring scan may start immediately after the
stop of the pre-contrast enhancement scan without setting the
waiting time. When the monitoring scan is performed and the
contrast agent concentration (i.e., a statistical value based on
the pixel values of a plurality of pixels in the monitoring region)
reaches a threshold, the monitoring scan is stopped, and the
post-contrast enhancement scan automatically starts upon the lapse
of a predetermined period. After X-ray emission is performed a
predetermined number of times for the post-contrast enhancement
scan, the scan controller 43 automatically stops the post-contrast
enhancement scan.
[0074] As described above, according to Example 2, the pre-contrast
enhancement scan is automatically shifted to the monitoring scan.
The labor of the subtraction protocol by the user is reduced, and
the examination time is shortened, compared to Example 1.
[0075] After performing step SB6, the contrast enhancement
examination according to the embodiment ends.
[0076] After the end of the contrast enhancement examination, the
image processor 35 generates a subtraction image based on the
pre-contrast enhancement CT image and the post-contrast enhancement
CT image. The display unit 45 displays the subtraction image.
[0077] In the related art, the monitoring scan is a scan for the
post-contrast enhancement scan. Hence, the monitoring scan and
post-contrast enhancement scan are regarded as a set of examination
protocols, and the two scans are performed without a break.
However, the pre-contrast enhancement scan and the
monitoring/post-contrast enhancement scan are regarded as
completely individual scans. Thus, condition setting processing for
the monitoring scan and post-contrast enhancement scan, and
condition setting processing for the pre-contrast enhancement scan
are performed individually, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. That is,
as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, condition setting processing and
monitoring region setting processing for the monitoring scan and
post-contrast enhancement scan are performed between the end of the
pre-contrast enhancement scan and the start of the monitoring scan.
A long time is therefore taken till the start of the monitoring
scan after the end of the pre-contrast enhancement scan, and a
subject may move during this period. In this case, the influence of
the body motion or the like is imaged in addition to the influence
of the contrast agent in a subtraction image between a pre-contrast
enhancement CT image and a post-contrast enhancement CT image,
impairing the image quality of the subtraction image.
[0078] The present inventors according to the embodiment have
altered the role of the monitoring scan. That is, the present
inventors according to the embodiment have positioned the
monitoring scan as a scan which links the pre-contrast enhancement
scan and post-contrast enhancement scan. As a result, a new
efficient subtraction protocol for acquiring a subtraction image
has been built.
[0079] The X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus according to
the embodiment implements optimization of the scan sequence of the
subtraction protocol by building this new subtraction protocol.
More specifically, the scan controller 43 executes the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, monitoring scan, and post-contrast enhancement
scan sequentially as a single examination protocol in accordance
with preset imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions. In
order to execute the pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring
scan, and post-contrast enhancement scan sequentially as a single
examination protocol, the imaging plan unit 37 performs condition
setting processing at once for the pre-contrast enhancement scan,
monitoring scan, and post-contrast enhancement scan at the
preceding stage of the pre-contrast enhancement scan. Since neither
condition setting processing nor monitoring region setting
processing need be performed between the pre-contrast enhancement
scan and the monitoring scan, the examination time from the start
of the pre-contrast enhancement scan up to the end of the
post-contrast enhancement scan is shortened. More specifically,
processing from the start of the pre-contrast enhancement scan up
to the end of the post-contrast enhancement scan can be completed
in the time of one breath. This can minimize the body motion of the
subject. That is, the embodiment can shorten the time of a shift
from the pre-contrast enhancement scan to the monitoring scan,
compared to the related art. In addition, the embodiment can
minimize the influence of a difference such as the body motion of
the subject, other than the contrast agent, in a subtraction image.
With the synchronous setting function, the imaging plan unit 37
synchronously sets the same contents of the imaging conditions and
reconstruction conditions of the pre-contrast enhancement scan,
monitoring scan, and post-contrast enhancement scan. This can
shorten the working time regarding condition setting processing of
the pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring scan, and
post-contrast enhancement scan.
[0080] Accordingly, the time of a shift from the pre-contrast
enhancement scan to the monitoring scan can be shortened in the
X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus which executes three
types of scans, i.e., the pre-contrast enhancement scan, monitoring
scan, and post-contrast enhancement scan.
(Applications)
[0081] As described in the embodiment, a pre-contrast enhancement
CT image and post-contrast enhancement CT image are generated by
the subtraction protocol, and subtraction processing is performed
on the pre-contrast enhancement CT image and post-contrast
enhancement CT image to generate a subtraction image. In other
words, the subtraction protocol is sometimes performed to obtain a
subtraction image. In subtraction processing, there are various
conditions (to be referred to as subtraction conditions
hereinafter) in accordance with target portions. However, depending
on the imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions of the
subtraction protocol, the imaging conditions and reconstruction
conditions may not match subtraction conditions for desired
subtraction processing, and the subtraction processing may not be
executed even by executing the subtraction protocol. In this case,
it is necessary to set again the imaging conditions and
reconstruction conditions of the subtraction protocol, and execute
again the subtraction protocol. Re-execution of the subtraction
protocol gives various disadvantages to both a medical staff and
subject.
[0082] An X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus according to
an application of the embodiment determines, before execution of
the subtraction protocol, whether subtraction processing can be
executed. The X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus according
to the application will be explained. In the following description,
the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment denote
building components having almost the same functions, and a
repetitive description thereof will be made, only as needed.
[0083] FIG. 8 is a view showing the arrangement of the X-ray
computed tomography imaging apparatus according to the application.
As shown in FIG. 8, the X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus
according to the application further includes a determination unit
53 and subtraction condition storage unit 55.
[0084] Based on the item values of setting items for the imaging
conditions and reconstruction conditions of the pre-contrast
enhancement scan and post-contrast enhancement scan, and execution
conditions for subtraction processing to be executed, the
determination unit 53 determines whether subtraction processing can
be executed. The execution conditions define allowable ranges when
executing subtraction processing on the item values of setting
items for the imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions of
the pre-contrast enhancement scan and post-contrast enhancement
scan. The execution conditions for subtraction processing will be
called subtraction conditions. More specifically, the determination
unit 53 executes determination processing in accordance with the
subtraction conditions stored in the subtraction condition storage
unit 55. Details of the determination processing will be described
later.
[0085] For each of a plurality of types of subtraction processing,
the subtraction condition storage unit 55 stores subtraction
conditions for the subtraction processing. The subtraction
conditions are defined by, e.g., an LUT or database. The
subtraction conditions are assumed to be defined by an LUT, and
this LUT will be called a subtraction condition table.
[0086] FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of the subtraction
condition table. As shown in FIG. 9, types of subtraction
processing are classified in accordance with, e.g., target portions
in subtraction processing. For example, the target portions may be
arbitrary portions of the human body and are, e.g., the heart,
head, and lower limbs. The subtraction conditions are defined in
the allowable ranges of the item values of the setting items of
imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions set for the
pre-contrast enhancement scan and post-contrast enhancement scan.
Examples of the setting items are the enlargement ratio,
reconstruction range, and overlapping range, as shown in FIG. 9.
The enlargement ratio is defined by the magnification of the size
of an image with respect to an actual size. The reconstruction
range is defined by a length of the reconstruction range along the
Z-axis. The overlapping range is defined as a length, along the
Z-axis, of an overlapping range between a reconstruction range for
the pre-contrast enhancement scan and a reconstruction range for
the post-contrast enhancement scan. For example, in subtraction
processing for ID 1, the target portion is the heart, the allowable
range of the enlargement ratio is a range of 50 mm to 500 mm, and
the allowable range of the reconstruction range is a range of
smaller than 400 mm. Note that the user can arbitrarily change the
values (allowable ranges) of the subtraction conditions via the
input unit 47.
[0087] Next, the flow of a contrast enhancement examination to be
performed under the control of the system controller 51 according
to the application will be explained. FIG. 10 is a flowchart
showing the typical sequence of a contrast enhancement examination
to be performed under the control of the system controller 51
according to the application.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 10, the reference image acquisition scan is
performed first (step SC1). The reference image acquisition scan in
step SC1 is almost the same as the reference image acquisition scan
in step SB1 of FIG. 5, and a description thereof will not be
repeated.
[0089] After performing step SC1, the imaging plan of the
subtraction protocol is determined (step SC2). In step SC2, the
imaging plan unit 37 determines the imaging plan of the subtraction
protocol by the above-described imaging plan processing. Also, the
imaging plan unit 37 determines the type of subtraction processing
in accordance with an instruction from the user via the input unit
47. For example, when performing subtraction processing for the
lower limbs, the user designates the lower limbs as the type of
subtraction processing. Typically, the type of subtraction
processing coincides with the imaging target portion of the
subtraction protocol.
[0090] After performing step SC2, the ROI setting unit 41 performs
ROI setting processing (step SC3). ROI setting processing in step
SC3 is almost the same as ROI setting processing in step SB3 of
FIG. 5, and a description thereof will not be repeated.
[0091] After performing step SC3, the determination unit 53
performs determination processing (step SC4). In step SC4, the
determination unit 53 determines whether subtraction processing can
be executed, by comparing the item values of setting items for the
imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions of the
pre-contrast enhancement scan and post-contrast enhancement scan
set in step SC2, with the subtraction conditions (allowable ranges)
for subtraction processing of the type designated in step SC2. More
specifically, if the item value of a setting item falls in the
allowable range, the determination unit 53 determines that
subtraction processing can be executed. If the item value of a
setting item falls outside the allowable range, the determination
unit 53 determines that subtraction processing cannot be executed.
For example, based on the item value of a setting item designated
by the user among a plurality of setting items, the determination
unit 53 determines whether subtraction processing can be executed.
The type of setting item can be arbitrarily set via the input unit
47.
[0092] FIG. 11 is a table for explaining determination processing
by the determination unit 53. In FIG. 11, the type of subtraction
processing is the heart shown in FIG. 9, and the enlargement ratio
shown in FIG. 9 is exemplified as a setting item to be compared.
That is, the subtraction condition (allowable range) is the range
of 50 mm to 500 mm. Assume that the enlargement ratio of a given
subtraction protocol (ID 1) is 600 mm, and the enlargement ratio of
another subtraction protocol (ID 2) is 400 mm. The determination
unit 53 determines whether the enlargement ratio "600 mm" for the
subtraction protocol of ID 1 falls within the allowable range of
the enlargement ratio. In this case, the enlargement ratio "600 mm"
for the subtraction protocol falls outside the allowable range
"range of 50 mm to 500 mm", and the determination unit 53
determines that subtraction processing cannot be executed.
Similarly, the determination unit 53 determines whether the
enlargement ratio "400 mm" for the subtraction protocol of ID 2
falls within the allowable range of the enlargement ratio. In this
case, the enlargement ratio "400 mm" for the subtraction protocol
of ID 2 falls within the allowable range "range of 50 mm to 500
mm", and the determination unit 53 determines that subtraction
processing can be executed.
[0093] Note that the above-described processing contents are merely
an example of determination processing, and determination
processing according to the embodiment is not limited to only the
above-described processing contents. For example, the determination
unit 53 may compare the item value of each of a plurality of
setting items with the allowable range, and if the item value of
any one of the plurality of setting items falls outside the
allowable range, may determine that subtraction processing cannot
be executed. Alternatively, only when the item value of any one
preferential setting item among a plurality of setting items falls
within the allowable range, the item value of another setting item
may be compared with the allowable range. For example, when the
overlapping range is narrow by a predetermined value or more,
subtraction processing cannot be performed. Therefore, the
overlapping range is preferably set as a preferential setting item.
In this case, the determination unit 53 preferably first determines
whether the item value of the overlapping range falls within the
allowable range, and only if the item value of the overlapping
range falls within the allowable range, compares the item value of
another setting item such as the enlargement ratio with the
allowable range. This can increase the processing efficiency while
maintaining the accuracy of determination processing.
Alternatively, if the item value of any one of a plurality of
setting items falls within the allowable range, the determination
unit 53 may determine that subtraction processing can be executed.
This can further increase the processing efficiency of
determination processing.
[0094] After performing step SC4, the display unit 45 determines
the determination result of determination processing in step SC4
(step SC5). In step SC5, the display unit 45 displays a message
corresponding to the determination result. If it is determined that
subtraction processing can be executed, the display unit 45
displays a message such as "imaging conditions and reconstruction
conditions are suited to subtraction processing". If it is
determined that subtraction processing cannot be executed, the
display unit 45 displays a message such as "imaging conditions and
reconstruction conditions are not suited to subtraction
processing".
[0095] After performing step SC5, the system controller 51 waits
for an instruction from the user via the input unit 47 that
represents whether to execute subtraction processing (step SC6).
For example, in step SC5, the display unit 45 preferably displays
an imaging button and condition re-setting button together with a
message corresponding to the determination result. The user
confirms the determination result, and if he determines to set
conditions again, presses the condition re-setting button via the
input unit 47. If the condition re-setting button has been pressed
(step SC6: NO), the system controller 51 returns to step SC2 to
repeat again steps SC2 to SC6.
[0096] If it is determined to start imaging under the conditions
set in step SC2, the user presses the imaging button via the input
unit 47. If the imaging button has been pressed (step SC6: YES),
the scan controller 43 controls the X-ray generation unit 13 and
X-ray detection unit 15 to execute the pre-contrast enhancement
scan, monitoring scan, post-contrast enhancement scan sequentially
as a single examination protocol.
[0097] More specifically, first, the pre-contrast enhancement scan
targeting the imaging portion of the subject S is performed (step
SC7). Based on projection data acquired by the pre-contrast
enhancement scan, the reconstruction unit 33 generates a
pre-contrast enhancement CT image in accordance with reconstruction
conditions for the pre-contrast enhancement scan. The pre-contrast
enhancement scan in step SC7 is almost the same as the pre-contrast
enhancement scan in step SB4 of FIG. 5, and a description thereof
will not be repeated.
[0098] After performing step SC7, the scan controller 43 executes
the monitoring scan targeting a monitoring region set in step SC3
(step SC8). The monitoring scan in step SC8 is almost the same as
the monitoring scan in step SB5 of FIG. 5, and a description
thereof will not be repeated.
[0099] After performing step SC8, the scan controller 43 executes
the post-contrast enhancement scan targeting the imaging portion of
the subject S (step SC9). Based on projection data acquired by the
post-contrast enhancement scan, the reconstruction unit 33
generates a post-contrast enhancement CT image in accordance with
the reconstruction conditions for the post-contrast enhancement
scan. The post-contrast enhancement scan in step SC9 is almost the
same as the post-contrast enhancement scan in step SB6 of FIG. 5,
and a description thereof will not be repeated.
[0100] After performing step SC9, the contrast enhancement
examination according to the application ends.
[0101] After the end of the contrast enhancement examination, the
image processor 35 automatically generates a subtraction image
based on the pre-contrast enhancement CT image and the
post-contrast enhancement CT image. The display unit 45 displays
the generated subtraction image.
[0102] As described above, before executing the subtraction
protocol, an X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus according
to the application can determine whether the imaging conditions and
reconstruction conditions of the subtraction protocol match the
subtraction conditions of subtraction processing to be executed.
Re-execution of the subtraction protocol owing to a mismatch of the
imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions can be prevented.
This increases the efficiency of the contrast enhancement
examination.
[0103] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions.
* * * * *